Lady of Law Episode 30 Recap
> Lady of Law Recap
A sudden turn of events saw Victory Group seeking to terminate their contract, while Shihao Hotel publicly accused Xiaoyu of fabricating the intimate video leak. Xu Jie and Song Xiu were tasked with handling the hotel's situation. Chen Ran, concerned that Xu Jie might be overwhelmed, smiled, acknowledging that she now had help with her younger brother, Chen Ke, having just completed his onboarding and being assigned to Group Two.
Meanwhile, Tang Ying informed Bai Ning of Chengtai's interest in acquiring Mingtang, prompting Bai Ning to inquire about the potential impact on her competition for a senior partner position. At the same time, Young Chairman Wan from Feilaiyin called to demand a renegotiation of their contract. On a critical visit to Victory Group, Chen Ran and Chen Ke discussed their relationship.
Chen Ke expressed gratitude for Chen Ran's trust and asked if she truly didn't mind him working at Mingtang and on cases with her. Chen Ran admitted to an initial period of adjustment, not out of dislike but simply to adapt to the change, but now she was genuinely happy to be working alongside her younger brother. Chen Ke, touched, addressed her as "sis."
At the meeting, Lin Guangshu of Victory Group hinted at complications, explaining that despite the successful development of Beta Group's new drug that saved Victory Group, Li Weiying still harbored resentment over Mingtang's previous approach to selling Beta's shares. Although Lin Guangshu personally found Mingtang's past actions justified given the dire circumstances, Li Weiying's strong objections led him to respect the decision to terminate their contract with Mingtang.
Chen Ran, realizing further negotiation was futile, left the meeting, suspecting Chengtai's involvement. She immediately called Xu Jie to update her, learning that Xu Jie's meeting with Shihao Hotel had also collapsed. Xu Jie confronted Manager Yu of Shihao Hotel regarding the news falsely accusing Xiaoyu of framing the hotel. Manager Yu feigned ignorance, then insisted that as Mingtang represented the hotel's interests, Xu Jie should hold Xiaoyu accountable.
Xu Jie countered that Manager Yu knew the truth about the secret filming, evident from the hotel's room-by-room inspections. She warned that if any harm came to Xiaoyu, the hotel would be held responsible, urging them to retract the false news and issue an apology. Manager Yu dismissed her, citing headquarters' displeasure over the previous 5 million compensation, and threatened to switch legal counsel if Mingtang couldn't "resolve" the Xiaoyu issue on their terms.
Xu Jie, undeterred, warned him that continued stubbornness would lead to a class-action lawsuit. Bai Ning then met with Young Chairman Wan regarding the Feilaiyin contract. He arrogantly stated his dissatisfaction with the 15% profit-sharing ratio for their e-commerce application, claiming it was too high despite it being an agreement made with his father. He asserted his intention to renegotiate and even suggested breaching the contract and paying a penalty, implying someone else would "cover the costs."
He also brought up the "Yadian incident," accusing Mingtang of playing both sides. Dismissing Bai Ning, he remarked on her "out-of-season" bag and walked away, stating their "chemistry" wasn't right and he would send his lawyers to handle the termination. Bai Ning then called Xu Jie to inform her that Feilaiyin also wanted to terminate their contract. The simultaneous threat of termination from three major clients—Victory Group, Shihao Hotel, and Feilaiyin—was clearly not a coincidence.
Back at Mingtang, a heated argument erupted. Bai Ning accused Xu Jie and Chen Ran's team of causing the Feilaiyin issue through their handling of the Yadian case. Xu Jie countered that it was just an excuse, but Bai Ning retorted with past grievances and questioned Chen Ran's privileged position. Tang Ying intervened, stopping the unproductive conflict.
With Li Gongming unexpectedly out of the office, Tang Ying swiftly delegated tasks: Attorney Jiang was assigned to follow up on other clients, while Chen Ran, Xu Jie, and Bai Ning were instructed to return to their respective clients to salvage the contracts. Tang Ying announced she would personally investigate the client list leak, emphasizing the critical juncture Mingtang faced before its 30th anniversary celebration that evening. Bai Ning questioned who leaked the client list.
Tang Ying reiterated that she would handle the investigation and told Bai Ning to deal with Young Chairman Wan. Meanwhile, Song Xiu located a distraught Xiaoyu on a rooftop, threatening to jump. Xu Jie rushed to the scene. Xiaoyu, feeling abandoned by everyone, including her boyfriend who sent Song Xiu instead of coming himself, despaired over her ruined future. Song Xiu told her she was wrong to sacrifice her life for others' mistakes.
Xiaoyu, heartbroken, recalled how Xu Jie had initially made her sign an NDA, only for her to be slandered by the hotel and company, cyberbullied, and shamed. She questioned Xu Jie's ability to understand her pain. To connect with Xiaoyu, Xu Jie courageously showed her private photos of herself that had been leaked to her law firm's work group weeks prior.
She explained her own experience of humiliation and assured Xiaoyu that she was still alive and thriving, urging her to be strong. Xiaoyu, in tears, doubted her own strength and feared the indelible memory of the internet, believing her life was over. Xu Jie firmly told her that her life was just beginning, and that the fault lay with her tormentors, not her. She promised that she and Song Xiu would help Xiaoyu get justice.
As Xiaoyu cried, she slipped, but Xu Jie and Song Xiu quickly grabbed her, pulling her to safety. Following this harrowing experience, Xu Jie and Song Xiu reconciled, holding hands and acknowledging their renewed relationship. Bai Ning and Xiao He returned to meet Young Chairman Wan, presenting him with a termination agreement detailing the compensation amount. Young Chairman Wan, surprised by the substantial sum, revealed that Chengtai's calculation had been much lower.
Bai Ning, fueled by frustration with his arrogance and incompetence, threatened to send the agreement to his father, highlighting Mingtang's extensive efforts, from developing their e-commerce application to managing the Yadian fake shoe scandal. She accused him of ingratitude now that Feilaiyin was stable. Young Chairman Wan, flustered, quickly softened and agreed to continue cooperation. Xiao He, impressed by Bai Ning's assertiveness, offered her a congratulatory gift.
Bai Ning then called Tang Ying to confirm the Feilaiyin situation was resolved and reiterated Chengtai's likely involvement in the crisis. After this success, Bai Ning confronted Sun Zhewei, accusing him of using her to maliciously acquire Mingtang and steal clients. She remarked on his calculated tactics, calling him a "time management guru." Sun Zhewei, while feigning ignorance, openly admitted his admiration for her and offered her any terms if she joined him.
Bai Ning retorted that she could accept losing but couldn't stand being made a fool. Seizing on this, Sun Zhewei deliberately taunted her about the senior partner competition, reminding her of Chen Ran's advantage as the founder's daughter and questioning Bai Ning's ability to compete. Back at Mingtang, Tang Ying discovered that Miaomiao, a former administrative staff member, had leaked client lists and contracts to Chengtai before her resignation.
When confronted with the evidence, Miaomiao showed no remorse, stating that Mingtang could sue her but warned of the public exposure and associated costs such a lawsuit would bring. She expressed her hope of never seeing Tang Ying again. Tang Ying reported her findings to Li Gongming, who, surprisingly, suggested not pursuing legal action against Miaomiao.
He reasoned that Chengtai's plan had failed, they were unlikely to cause further trouble immediately, and given Miaomiao's youth and the absence of actual financial loss, it was best to give her a chance at a future. Later that evening, Mingtang celebrated its 30th anniversary. Chen Ke presented Chen Ran with vitamins, noting her dislike for carrots.
Xiao He, still upset about Sun Zhewei's words to Bai Ning, was comforted by Bai Ning, who advised him not to dwell on such people and to enjoy the celebration. During the festivities, Li Gongming delivered a heartfelt speech, commending everyone for their "splendid" efforts in turning the tide during his brief absence. He reflected on Mingtang's growth from humble beginnings, acknowledging the loss of old friends but celebrating new faces.
He expressed his immense pride in everyone's maturity, particularly the women of Mingtang, believing they would "redefine Mingtang's principles." He raised a toast to everyone and to Mingtang's future. As the celebration continued, Song Xiu waited downstairs for Xu Jie. Li Gongming, mistaking Song Xiu's presence for a courtesy visit from an ex-employee, welcomed him back, prompting Xu Jie to emerge and publicly take Song Xiu's hand, signaling their officially reconciled relationship to everyone.
The competition for the senior partner position at Mingtang officially commenced, accelerated due to Chengtai's hostile takeover attempt. The new criteria included performance over the past year, lawyer support ratings, and recent case performance. The candidates initially included Attorney Jiang, Attorney He, Chen Ran, and Bai Ning. However, Attorney He withdrew from the race, leaving Chen Ran, Bai Ning, and Attorney Jiang as the three finalists.
Li Gongming expressed his anticipation for their "gentlemanly competition," which Tang Ying playfully corrected to a "ladies' competition." Meanwhile, Li Gongming met with two representatives from Qingmu Law Firm for a dinner, aiming to forge a strategic alliance. Qingmu Law Firm viewed Mingtang's approach as a search for a "white knight" against Chengtai's malicious takeover. Internally, Qingmu recognized Mingtang's thirty years of heritage as a significant asset for expanding their own influence in Jinghai.
They intended to leverage Mingtang's urgent need for help to negotiate favorable terms, while also being prepared to make some concessions to establish a strong foothold in Jinghai. During the dinner, Li Gongming toasted to Qingmu's prompt arrival, acknowledging their sincerity, and both parties discussed the mutual benefits of their potential "alliance" and expressed hopes for a smooth future cooperation.
